How has federer lost to this joker who Ive never even heard of? If he struggles against him, how is he gonna fare against the likes of del potro, berdych etc? He really does seem to be on the decline. Ive noticed with some of his matches lately how he is mis-timing the ball and shanking a lot of shots.

Any thoughs on Feds form? Wss his back an issue today? Did it look like the consecutive 3 setters culminated into lethargic unmotivated play today?

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less lack of motivation than back issues imo. his serve motion looks at about half-coil, arming the ball and double-faulting, and his movement to the forehand side is not good. i think the racket switch will help more than hurt but when you can't move right or serve right, the racket is the least of your issues.

someone posted a pic somewhere, he had tape on his back. has he ever talked about what the issue is?

btw delbonis played really well, but i think an intact federer could have found a way to win.

After watching Fed's last two matches I think he is shanking more with the 98 than he ever did with the 90. Yes, he has more power, but the balance of this racket is causing major problems. If he had played any of his last 3 matches with the 90 he would have beat all three in straight sets.

This just goes to show how quickly one can lose his aura of invulnerability. Once the other pros smell blood, you're there for the taking, no matter how formidable your past reputation may have been.

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I also think that works both ways - not only do they gain confidence and play with more belief, but Federer is struggling with his own confidence and playing with less belief.

Still - I think Fed has proven, even this year, that he's still capable of bringing a high level of tennis at any given time. As long as that is the case, another major win is a possibility.

I also think it is a mistake to pass judgment on him with the new racquet after only a handful of matches. Let's see, first, if he's healthy and can stay that way, and second, how he plays with the racquet as the second half of the season progresses. This is a pretty significant move for a guy who hasn't typically changed that much. It will take a little time to settle in, if he does, with the new stick.

Delbonis played really great, shotwise and mentally. Fed did OK considering he was pretty cripped up -- couldn't serve or move. What else needs to be said at this point? We'll see if Delbonis can keep up that high level, especially off clay, and we'll see if Rog skips Gstaad so maybe he can heal up in time for hard court.

Its not like Fed didn't have bad matches in past years, but more often than not he knew how to turn it around and switch gears. He doesn't have that anymore. He's playing like the underdog against almost anyone at this point, and he misses so many easy shots its astonishing, its like he forgot how to hit or something, its really painful to watch the best shotmaker the game has ever seen become the best shankmaker.

Fed is no threat to Nadal but Fed can still beat Djoker and Muzz which could make life a bit easier for Nadal. Not that Nadal can't beat Djoker and Muzz. Also Fed could go down in history as the player who lost to Nadal 30 times if he sticks around long enough.

It was close; it went on one point really. But this was a good run and a step forward I mean you reached the semis with a lot going on and with one match after the other. So it's been definitely good! You got the chance to try new things and managed great on such an abrupt change of surface. That can't be easy. So well done love, let's move on.

It was endlessly delightful to see you. Surely you enjoyed the place, I like the Center Court the roof is pretty cool. Now can't wait for Gstaad! Well actually can't wait to see you playing again.

Roger! Does your back hurt? I'm really worried about it!（´-`）Have you been wearing the KT Tape the whole time the last tournaments under those undershirts?

Why haven't you said anything about it?! I really care about you, don't do that, please share. Well I wish, but I understand. Do whatever you think is best. Just hope you are ok. Find yourself the best back doctor in the world, the best treatment. You can actually have that, do it. Use the CVAC thing, whatever it takes, please take care of yourself.

But the tape is also preventive, so are you just preventing? Wish I knew and mostly wish I could be of some help to you. I wear it sometimes I hurt the tendons of my fingers playing tennis I'm fine but I also dance so it sometimes creeps in. Lucky haven't totally broken something else, sorry I digress. Anyway it's good you wear it. It'll sure help with whatever is going on. The situation is transient don't let it take away your confidence. You'll recover. xo ❤

uhmm...sure. I was just teasing President because a few days ago he was insisting that a larger racquet will provide magical improvements to Federer's game.

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Haha, I do think the larger racquet caused some important CHANGES in his game, they haven't necessarily manifested in an improved total package yet because it was Roger's first tournament with the new stick. I also think his back problems are still affecting his play. :|

Haha, I do think the larger racquet caused some important CHANGES in his game, they haven't necessarily manifested in an improved total package yet because it was Roger's first tournament with the new stick. I also think his back problems are still affecting his play. :|

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Agree. I watched a bit of the match against Delbonis on my DVR. Federer looked a bit hindered. Not free with his movement. He was also playing with tape on his back, so it was definitely an issue last week.

Agree. I watched a bit of the match against Delbonis on my DVR. Federer looked a bit hindered. Not free with his movement. He was also playing with tape on his back, so it was definitely an issue last week.

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He was hindered by the bigger racket, he looked lost and void of any confidence with that big racket, he'll switch back to his old trusty racket soon.

Tennis is Federer's religion, and in his version, he is the greatest, so he will keep playing as long as he believes it.

Delbonis just Nadal'd Federer. It wasn't so surprising to see a close match (7-6, 7-6) go the way of the guy with more reliable high-ball striking (Delbonis) on the surface. Federer will do better on hard court.

Could tell by the end of set 1 that Fed would probably lose this match. Saw a lot of premature opinions on what has 'improved' with the new racket whereas the reality was obvious from the beginning in that he needs time to truly understand his new wand.

The curious thing about his change was that he didn't up the head size of the same racket, he upped the head size and changed racket families.